A threat letter has been sent by suspected bandits to a Christian community in Zamfara state.
The terrorists sent a letter to the Christian community in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria, asking them to shut down their churches or risk attacks.
The threat letter was also confirmed by the Zamfara State Police Command who insisted that they are “on top” of the matter.
Spokesperson for the command, DSP Mohammed Shehu, told Sahara Reporters that the police were aware of the threat letter from the suspected bandits.
He said, “Yes, I can confirm that it’s true, a threat letter was sent to the Christians in Zamfara State to stop worship and to close churches.
“Actually the police informed the Christian leaders about the threat.
“Accordingly the CP has invited the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state to discuss security measures around the churches.
“In that regard, a special squad has been created by the CP to patrol and protect worshippers, especially on Sundays.
“Additionally, plain-clothes personnel have been deployed for intelligence gathering and to unravel those behind the threat letter.”
Also speaking on the condition of anonymity, a Christian leader , on Sunday, called on Christians across the world to pray for them.
He disclosed that the bandit terrorists listed the churches to be attacked from now till the end of December.
The Christian leader said, “Let’s pray for Christians in Northern Nigeria, especially in Zamfara State as we are issued a three-year ultimatum to close all churches in the state.
“Some churches were listed for attack between now and the end of December, though the churches that would be attacked according to the Fulani group that wrote the letter are located on the outskirts of the town, but we believe it’s just a trick.”
“Same letter was also copied to the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies and they all Confirmed receipt of the letter.
“The police in the state have directed Christians to intensify security in all places of worship, pastors’ houses, other Christian centres.
“Christian Association Nigeria (CAN) in Zamfara State has also directed all churches not to hold church activities beyond 5pm for the next three months,” he said.
